Termites

Termite Facts

Termites generally swarm in the spring. It is important to get an annual termite inspection to prevent costly damage.

Termites also swarm in the late summer

One colony of Termites can contain an average of 3 million members. There have been documented cases where 70 million Termites have been found.

One colony of Termites can contain an average of 3 million members. There have been documented cases where 70 million Termites have been found. Termite colonies are often larger (and more damaging) in a home infestation than in nature

Termite Photos

What Are Termites?

Termites usually are cryptic, meaning that they don't come out into the open making them difficult to detect. They are often called the "silent destroyer" because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. Even when they are visible within the home as flying insects, termites can often be mistaken for ants. Some homeowners will dismiss the termites as pesky ants (which often swarm at the same time of year) and ignore them without taking any preventive or extermination measures. This allows established termite infestations to grow exponentially. Termites can be identified by their straight, beaded antennae, uniform waists, and wings of equal size. (Ants have elbowed antennae, constricted waists and forewings that are longer than the hind wings.)

While termite workers only measure approximately 1 cm to a few millimeters in length, their feeding habits are capable of causing costly damage to property.

Termites primarily feed on cellulose, a part of wood, but also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. All termites feed on detritus (dead plants and trees as well as dead parts of living trees, including wood). Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation. House foundations, furniture, shelves and even books are all possible feeding sites for termites. Termites can harm living trees and shrubs, but are more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline.